Suzlon-founder Tulsi Tanti named UNEP Champion of Earth

Mr. Tulsi R. Tanti, Founder, and Chairman and Managing Director – Suzlon Energy Limited, was named by the United Nations Environment Program as a Champion of the Earth for 2009 for his Entrepreneurial Vision in combating climate change.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mr. Tulsi Tanti said: “I am grateful and honored to receive this award. This award recognizes that the future depends on entrepreneurs taking a leadership role and working for benefit of society, protection of the planet’s future, and at the same time generating profits. We need to focus on People-Planet-Profit to succeed. Innovation will be key, particularly in the current economic environment. The world has untapped renewable resources that can meet mankind’s energy needs five times over, and we need to develop and embrace technologies that help us harness these resources and create a sustainable future for all mankind.”

The United Nations Environment Programme established the annual international environment award in 2004 in recognition that a renaissance in environmental policy does not come in a vacuum - it emerges as a result of collective efforts of governments, private business, organizations and civil society. It needs the long-term commitment, vision and creativity of individuals. It needs people who are, and will continue to be, Champions of the Earth.

Speaking on the philosophy behind the awards, and the selection criteria to recognize the laureates, Mr. Achim Steiner - Executive Director of the UNEP, said: "We are looking for real and inspirational Champions-people and organizations who are not fazed by what can sometimes seem to be insuperable challenges. Individuals and organizations which refuse to accept the status quo... The world is facing multiple crises but also huge opportunities to move toward a more resource-efficient, more intelligently-managed planet."*

Champions of the Earth winners are selected to represent the cutting edge in innovative thinking and execution of these efforts. UNEP has identified four principle categories which aim to highlight the urgency of cooperation between all players and all sectors of society to achieve a Global Green Economy - Policy Leadership; Science & Innovation; Entrepreneurial Vision and Inspiration & Action – and a special award for ’09 recognizing Next Generation Champions.

The 2009 trophy is a miniature, crystal version of a sculpture created by Prof. Yuan Xikun, a Beijing-based Chinese sculptor, and donated to UNEP for display at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The base of the sculpture is a warming earth beneath a leaning iceberg thawing from the heat. Two panicky young cubs and their helpless mother balance on the top of the thawing iceberg. With his sculpture, Yuan calls for people from all walks of life to protect the world's environment and promote sustainable development.

*For more information visit the UNEP Champions of the Earth official website http://www.unep.org/champions/